when does shamrock shake come out

McDonald’s typically brings back the Shamrock Shake in early to mid February, a few weeks before St. Patrick’s Day, and keeps it around until shortly after March 17 at participating locations.

Quick Scoop: 2026 timing

For 2026 in the U.S., food news outlets and menu-leak accounts report that Shamrock Shake “season” is expected to start around mid‑February, roughly one month before St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). This lines up with recent years, where the shake has dropped anywhere between the first and third week of February and then stuck around through St. Patrick’s Day before disappearing again soon after. Because McDonald’s often staggers or tests dates and doesn’t always post a super-early national announcement, exact launch timing can vary slightly by:

• Country or region
• Individual franchise participation
• Whether stores have their shake/mcflurry machines running consistently

In some years the shake has appeared as early as the first week of February in the U.S., while other regions or cities have reported dates closer to mid‑February.

What to expect each year

If you’re trying to time it right in future years, a practical rule of thumb is:

1. Start checking your local McDonald’s app and menu in the first half of February.
2. Expect the Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry (when offered) to be available for about 4–6 weeks , centered around St. Patrick’s Day.
3. Assume they’ll vanish shortly after March 17 , sometimes almost immediately.

If you want to be absolutely sure, the best move is to:

• Check the McDonald’s app or website for your specific location in early February.
• Call your local store and ask when they expect Shamrock Shakes to “go live” on their machines.

TL;DR: The Shamrock Shake comes out once a year, usually in early to mid February, and sticks around through St. Patrick’s Day, but the exact day can vary a bit by year and location.